Page 78 of The Hockey Contract

If I'd developed genuine feelings, that was my problem to manage, not hers to accommodate. For all I knew, she was still counting down the days until she could return to her independent life, free from the constraints of our fake marriage.

Except, she'd kissed me back. Not just tonight, but in Vancouver too. With enthusiasm that seemed difficult to fake.

Chapter 26: Sienna

The bakery was still dark when I arrived at 4:30 AM, mind foggy from another night of confused dreams and restless sleep. I flipped on the lights, expecting the usual quiet comfort of my morning routine. Instead, I found a bewildering sight—the center workspace occupied by gleaming stainless steel equipment I didn't recognize at first glance.

As my eyes adjusted, disbelief washed over me. A commercial-grade planetary mixer—not just any model, but the one I'd been coveting since its release. Beside it sat a top-of-the-line chocolate tempering machine, a precision digital scale system, and a set of professional pastry tools I'd admired in culinary magazines but dismissed as far beyond my budget.

A simple card was propped against the mixer: "To help with the charity gala preparations. - J."

I stared at the equipment, emotions warring inside me. The generosity was overwhelming, the thoughtfulness touching. But something else twisted underneath—confusion, uncertainty about what these extravagant gifts meant in the context of our arrangement.

Without thinking, I pulled out my phone and called him, not caring that it was barely dawn.

"Sienna?" Jax answered immediately, his voice alert despite the hour. "Everything okay?"

"You bought me bakery equipment," I said, not bothering with pleasantries. "Expensive bakery equipment."

"Do you like it?" He sounded genuinely uncertain. "I remembered you mentioning the mixer specifically, but if it's not the right—"

"It's perfect. They're all perfect." I ran my hand over the mixer's smooth surface. "But Jax, this is too much. Way beyond our arrangement."

Silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken questions.

"I wanted to help with the gala preparations," he finally said, his voice careful. "You've been working so hard."

"Thank you," I replied softly. "Really. But I'm confused."

"About?"

I took a deep breath. "About what we're doing, Jax. The gifts, the trips, the... the kisses. None of this was in our agreement."

Another pause, longer this time. "I know."

"So what does it mean?" I pressed.

"I don't—" He stopped, then changed direction. "My first endorsement payment will be finalized this week. Your bakery loan will be paid as agreed."

The abrupt return to business terms felt like a splash of cold water. "Right. Of course. Our arrangement."

"Sienna—"

"I should get started on the baking," I interrupted, suddenly needing to end the conversation. "The morning rush will be here soon. Thanks again for the equipment."

The next few days passed in a blur of hospital charity gala preparations. I worked late every night, testing recipes, refining designs, coordinating with the event planner. The new equipment made the process infinitely easier, though each time I used the mixer, I was reminded of the confusing man who'd gifted it.

By Friday night, I was exhausted to the point of tears, my usual resilience worn thin by physical fatigue and emotional uncertainty. When I finally dragged myself home after midnight, expecting a dark, quiet house with Jax away at an Edmonton game, I was shocked to find the dining room transformed.

The table was elegantly set with fine china and crystal, the center occupied by a tiered display of what appeared to be... my gala desserts? Each one perfectly executed, arranged alongside handwritten comment cards.

"Surprise." Jax's voice came from the kitchen doorway, where he leaned with uncharacteristic uncertainty. "I thought you might need a test audience."

"You're supposed to be in Edmonton," I managed, still trying to process the scene.

"Early flight back. I wanted to be here." He stepped forward, gesturing to the display. "I had some help."

As if on cue, Leo and Chloe emerged from the kitchen, followed by Finn and Willow. All four were dressed nicely, as if for an actual event rather than a hastily arranged tasting.

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